The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed circulating reports claiming that schools across Nigeria will shut down on November 24, 2025, describing the information as false and misleading.
In a statement released on Saturday, ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo clarified that no such directive has been issued by the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education, or any recognized security agency.
“Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it to curb the spread of misinformation,” the statement warned.
The ministry emphasized that only announcements from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments, and recognized security agencies should be treated as authentic, urging Nigerians to rely solely on verified information from official sources.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of growing confusion over school closures across multiple states. The Federal Government recently ordered the closure of 41 federal secondary schools in high-risk areas following mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi States that have left hundreds of students in captivity.
Several state governments have taken independent action in response to escalating security threats. Kwara, Plateau, Katsina, and Niger states have temporarily closed schools amid rising security concerns, while Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas directed all public and private schools in the state to safely deboard students immediately.
The ministry’s denial of a nationwide November 24 closure date appears aimed at preventing panic and ensuring that any school closures remain coordinated responses based on specific security assessments rather than unverified social media rumors.
However, the security situation remains fluid, with authorities continuing to monitor threats across northern and central regions where terrorist groups have intensified attacks on educational institutions. The recent abduction of 315 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State on Friday has further heightened anxiety among parents and school administrators nationwide.
The ministry urged parents, school proprietors, and the general public to stay alert to official government communications through verified channels while disregarding unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media platforms.
